Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island History

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[APR. 11 DINNER MEETING] Varnum Trustee Brian L. Wallin speaking on “Jamestown and the Military”

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The Varnum Continentals are pleased to announce that Members Meetings have resumed!

Soldiers at Fort Greble on Dutch Island Island raise the National Colors.

Varnum Trustee Brian L. Wallin leads our return to monthly member meetings with a presentation on “Jamestown and the Military.” Incorporated in 1678, Jamestown has a long, diverse military history. From early colonial days into the 20th century, Jamestown has experienced occupation (and devastation) by the British during the American Revolution, as well as U.S. Civil War encampments, major coastal fortifications, highly classified military research and communications facilities, and even a pair of top-secret World War II German POW camps. This lecture includes numerous, rare visual images and anecdotes.

PLEASE NOTE: Reservations are required and MUST be received by NOON, Friday, April 8. NO WALK-INS ALLOWED!

RSVP to Scott Seaback at 401-413-6277 or scott@ritemps.com.

WHEN: Monday, April 11, 5:30 pm (social hour); 6:30 (dinner followed by program).
WHERE: Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main Street, East Greenwich, RI
MENU: Steak filet steak tips, garlic mashed potatoes, salad, dessert & coffee
FEE: $20
CASH BAR: wine, beer, and soft drinks only.

About Brian L. Wallin

Brian Wallin, a veteran broadcast news reporter and producer.
Brian L. Wallin

Brian L. Wallin is a 1965 graduate of Stonehill College, and earned his master’s degree in 1968 from American International College. He retired in 2009 as Vice President of Kent Hospital in Warwick, RI where he remains active on several hospital committees. He has held appointments in numerous civic and professional organizations. He is a past president of the New England Society for Healthcare Communications and of the North Kingstown (RI) Rotary Club. He has been a member of the Varnum Armory & Varnum House Museums since 2008 and was named a trustee in 2013. Married in 1968, he and his wife Gail have one son and two grandsons. Brian is an avid guitarist, model railroader and marine model builder. He continues to do free-lance commercial and documentary voice-over narrations.

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] T. Fred Brown’S Battery B 1st Rhode Island Light Artillery Cap

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Wrapped in newspaper for about 140 years and kept on a dirt floor garage in Daytona, Florida, this American Civil War cap had bits of paper fused to the heat-melted cap visor. It was in pretty rough shape when it arrived at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum.

This artifact was worn by T. Fred Brown of Battery B 1st Rhode Island Light Artillery during the U.S. Civil War. Our textile conservator, Maria Vazquez, has done extensive work to recover this piece from over a century of poor storage. We’re excited to put this on display when the restoration is completed.

  • Restoration of T. Fred Brown’S American Civil War cap
  • Restoration of T. Fred Brown’S American Civil War cap
  • Restoration of T. Fred Brown’S American Civil War cap

Varnum Armory Launches Exhibit Space Expansion Project

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The Varnum Memorial Armory Museum‘s exhibit space expansion project is underway! These are demolition images of some office spaces in the Armory that we will restore to its early 20th-century beauty and then fill with many historical artifacts. We plan to use this space for exhibits related to Cold War conflicts and the Global War on Terror, with a focus on Rhode Island’s role and impact.

We deeply appreciate the Champlin Foundation‘s support for this project.

Varnum Armory Office Restoration
Varnum Armory Office Restoration
Varnum Armory Office Restoration
Varnum Armory Office Restoration
Varnum Armory Office Restoration

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Grand Army of the Republic Post 6 Guidon Reunited with a Former Commander

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This Grand Army of the Republic Post 6 guidon has just been reunited with one of its former commanders, Lyman Aylesworth, at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum. This American Civil War flag was acquired thanks to generous donations from our Facebook friends. Thank you! This guidon will be professionally conserved and mounted for display. Reno Post was located at the Kentish Guards Armory in East Greenwich, RI.

Interestingly, when we acquired this artifact via auction, we assumed that there was one flag in the plastic sleeve. It turns out that there were in fact two of these silk flags within the sleeve. As two-fer-one deals go, this worked out well for us!

U.S. Civil War Grand Army of the Republic Post 6 Guidon at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum

Varnum Memorial Armory Museum featured in the Rhode Island PBS series “Treasures Inside the Museum”

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This is a fantastic, inside look at the inner workings of the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum and the exhibits within. RI PBS did a fantastic job on this professional production. Also, kudos go out to all of the volunteer staff who work every day at the Armory to preserve Rhode Island military history. This episode is online now!

From RI PBS: “The Varnum Military Museum in East Greenwich is home to an extensive collection of rare military pieces dating back to the earliest days of the American Revolution. There is also a look at delicate textile conservation.”

About the Varnum Continentals

The Varnum Continentals are committed to the preservation of the historic heritage of our community, our state, and our nation. Please take a virtual tour of our museums to learn more about our mission to encourage patriotism. You can participate with us through active membership and/or philanthropic support in our non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Museum tours are welcomed and our facilities may be rented for suitable events.

Our Mission

The Varnum Continentals are committed to encourage patriotism through the Varnum Armory Museum, the Continental Militia, and the James Mitchell Varnum House and thus to preserve, support, and communicate the military history of our community, our state, and our nation.

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